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Dealing with natural disasters

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Blizzards, coastal storms, and flooding are a fact of life for residents of Boston. We have information to help you before, during, and after a natural disaster. Please note: if you're in the middle of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

Need help now?

Contact: 311

If you're experiencing an emergency, please dial 9-1-1. If you are dealing with a non-emergency situation in the City of Boston, please contact BOS:311.

REPORTING POWER OUTAGES

Please contact your utility company to report any outages. You can also call 3-1-1 with any concerns or questions.

Preparing for a hurricane

Learn about what actions to take when you receive a Hurricane Watch or Hurricane Warning.

Hurricane information

Cold and heat

Contact: 311
Stay safe during extreme cold

When you know severely cold weather is coming, remember to take steps to prepare:

  1. Take caution when using portable heating devices like space heaters.
  2. Cover exposed skin and watch out for frostbite.
  3. Make sure the exhaust pipe on your car is clear of snow, as well as your house's heater vent.
  4. To prepare for power outages, stock up on batteries, flashlights, and canned goods.

More cold weather tips

Heat emergencies

During periods of extreme heat, we'll declare a heat emergency and open community centers as cooling centers.

  1. BCYF Community Centers become cooling centers during a heat emergency.
  2. Never leave children and pets alone in cars. Cars heat up quickly even if the windows are slightly open.
  3. Drink more water no matter how active you are. 
  4. Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-15 or higher and wear protective, loose-fitting clothing.

More hot weather tips

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